Why pluto got demoted

The IAU will set up a process to name these objects. The decision has not been without controversy. Regardless, the little world is still a dwarf planet today as far as the IAU is concerned. Below and some facts about what was once the ninth planet to orbit the sun. Pluto was discovered in by astronomer Clyde W.

Tombaugh at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona. Some experts immediately questioned the part of the definition about a planet clearing its orbital neighbourhood. This is because Earth shares its cosmic turf with more than 12, near-Earth asteroids. Thus, some have argued that Earth, Jupiter and other planets also fail to meet the IAU's definition. Speaking just after the vote, Prof Alan Stern, chief scientist for the New Horizons mission, called the outcome "an awful decision" and described the new definition as "internally inconsistent".

The low turn-out has been blamed on timing; the vote was held on the last day of the General Assembly when many participants had left or were preparing to fly out from Prague. The debate has rumbled on ever since, on television, in the pages of books and in public talks. But the latter expert turned down the offer, stating: "I don't have opinions that I require other people to have. The flyby of Pluto is unlikely to provide any information relevant to a change in Pluto's status.

But it will bring into clear focus once more what is, and what isn't, meant by the term "planet". Follow Paul on Twitter. Image source, IAU. She received five pounds as a reward. While paying respects at a memorial outside of NRG Park, some attendees raised more questions about the chaotic scene not even 48 hours prior. Most Popular. Smith: Who's running hardwood show for Rockets? Podcast: Texans mercifully have week off, Astros offseason talk.

JontiHorner wrote a fun piece about this. The researcher back then informed that Earth and other seven planets, on the other hand, cleared broad swaths of space of any other large objects. Pluto is now recognised as the prototype of a new category of trans-Neptunian objects.

Back in , several astronomers and researchers had debated and criticised the removal of Pluto from as a planet. OnThisday : Pluto no longer for a planet.. Pluto, which was discovered in , was at first thought to be larger than it is.